Despite their importance in terms of employment and income generation, inshore fisheries have been a neglected area of study. The review of the common fisheries policy, especially in the light of the need to re-examine the derogation which reserves access to the inshore zone to coastal state vessels, provides an opportunity to redress the balance. With contributions from leading authorities on fisheries management, the book takes an in-depth look at seven European countries, examining the basis for the definition of inshore fisheries, evaluating their status, and describing the salient characteristics of their management. The national studies form the basis for cross-cultural analyses of the social organisation, cultural norms, economic objectives, and institutional structures of inshore fisheries in Europe. Finally, a number of key issues relating to the future of inshore fisheries management in a more integrated approach are examined. Overall the volume reaffirms the invaluable role played by inshore fisheries in the local and regional economies of Europe’s complex coastline.